Episode 3 Lip Service

This programme contains strong language.

This programme contains scenes of a sexual nature.

< RADIO PLAYS

Playing crockery Jenga?

Yeah, bloody Sadie. How much washing up can you generate in three days?

Oh, um, actually, some of it's mine.

But don't worry, I'll clean it up later.

Oh, well, you know, you've got a job, at least.

That's a reason to let things stack up.

PLATES CLATTER

Are you still not sleeping?

Nope.

I've tried reading, chamomile, stretching before bed.

I could nab you some morphine from the hospital, if you like.

Really?

Oh...sorry.

I'm even slower than normal at the moment.

Hey, come here.

Maybe you need to get out of the house.

I know that work doesn't sound too tempting,

but it might be really nice to be someone else for a few hours.

Yeah.

FLOORBOARDS CREAK

-Morning.

-Morning.

Um, we said no smoking in the communal areas.

Oh, right. Sorry.

And that's my yoghurt!

I mean, I don't mind or anything.

It's just, you know, you could chip in with the shopping.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. All right, next time.

Hey, how's Frankie?

Fine.

Maybe she needs more than cigarettes and yoghurt.

I thought SHE was the doctor.

You should watch your iPod around her. She's a thief.

Spoons.

Um, Lexy?

Um...

Er, thanks. I'm going to...try and sort myself out.

-Yeah. Good luck, eh?

-Yeah.

Got you breakfast.

Tess so needs to rub one out over Lexy.

Have you got any knickers I can borrow?

-Why are you up?

-I've got an appointment.

For that magazine we did the pictures for.

You recommended me. Well, I recommended me.

Thanks for that. From your e-mail.

Decided to write my own little article,

seeing as the journo didn't show.

I think it's my turn to get a curry in.

Housemates are getting tetchy I'm not pulling my weight.

How long are you planning on staying?

I can go now if you want.

(SIGHS) Whatever.

PHONE RINGS

PHONE KEEPS RINGING

Answer it.

Hello. Moody Cow Photography. Can I help you?

No, no, she's just here.

(It's your mum.)

Yeah, hello. Yeah, yeah, OK.

Frankie!

Yeah, I just wanted to say

I'm really sorry about the other day.

Yeah, I know.

Yeah, yeah, we can talk about it then.

Yeah. Yeah, I know it.

OK, bye.

-Are you all right?

-Yeah, I'm fine.

-Was that work?

-No.

Um, do you want to maybe go for a walk later and visit Cat's grave?

-I'm busy.

-What about lunch with me and Ed?

-Let me see how I get on later, yeah?

-OK.

I'm going for a shower.

We could pop down the driving range later.

No, I've got this blooming counselling thing, remember?

Oh, God. Can't you just refuse?

No, it's the DCI's big thing - touchy-feely management.

It'll just ruffle more feathers if I don't go.

When I was in the force,

you were lucky to see a dentist if you got your teeth smashed in,

let alone a psychiatrist.

HE COUGHS

You all right, Dad?

I think I need a break.

What's wrong with you?

A burglar carrying a telly could do double this.

Sam!

-Hey.

-How are you doing?

I'm all right.

Sorry, Lexy, this is my dad.

Mum and Dad have just come up for a couple of days to, you know...

Alfie.

I've come to knock her into some sort of shape.

You know, like one of them Kenyan pacemakers.

So, um...

..how do you two know each other, then?

-It's just from running.

-Yeah, yeah, from running.

I'm a bit of a newbie to all this, as you can probably tell by my physique.

-Well, I don't know.

-Dad.

-Well, I should probably...

-Yeah, we should go.

Don't want you seizing up.

Hey, you worry about yourself, sunshine.

You've slowed me down enough this morning.

Nice to meet you. See you, Sam.

-Bye.

-No pain, no gain.

-Nice girl.

-She's all right.

Is she one of your lot?

DOOR OPENS

How was your run?

Mum, what are you doing?

I just thought I'd get it clean and tidy.

I don't want you touching any of our stuff.

Hey! Hey! It was my idea, all right?

I told your mum to do it while we were out.

A good airing always helps.

I appreciate that, but I will do it in my own time.

OK, OK. No need to bite anyone's head off.

Right, then. If you'll excuse me,

I've got a breakfast date with Christine Bleakley.

There wasn't much to clean. Cat's pretty tidy, wasn't she?

-Yeah.

-I wish we could have met her.

-At least gone to the funeral.

-It wasn't going to change anything.

It's so like the NHS doctor,

trying to fill the bed while it's still warm, eh?

I'm not. I just said she looks good in lycra.

Right.

Come on. Her girlfriend just died, for fuck's sake.

I'm not going to blame you for trying.

I mean, it's not like you're getting much, is it?

I get enough.

It's not today, is it? Please tell me it's not today.

What?

Gash Wednesday.

Stop calling it that. Anyway, we've diversified.

-It's not just Wednesdays.

-Whatever. It's weird.

-It works.

-But with someone from the hospital?

Have you never heard the expression "don't piss in your own lift"?

What's the difference between that and sex-ray,

apart from the fact that I'm actually fucking mine?

-That IS going to happen.

-Yeah, right.

And when have you ever known me to fail?

-First time for everything.

-Yeah, well, we'll see.

-Oh, hi.

-Hi.

I think you've had a little accident.

It's actually...

It's just a wee bit of egg from my breakfast.

Some egg!

Come on, Romeo.

PHONE RINGS

Well, at least he was looking in the zone.

Who's that?

Hot cop decided she's over it and is going to ask you out?

(HANGS UP) I wish.

What do people usually get?

For, like, Mother's Day and stuff?

It's a bit corporate for us.

But you've got a good take. Who else have you written for?

All over, really. Mostly down south.

What sort of stuff?

Property, lifestyle...

..art, music...

Film, theatre?

I can turn my hand to most things.

Except spelling.

Ensuite is spelt E-N, not O-N.

Ah.

All right, look, I'm an estate agent.

Was.

Which is why I know what I'm talking about.

Hotel was shit.

But I need the money, so are you going to use it or not?

Needs more subbing than it's worth.

-So why bother getting me in, then?

-As I said, you've got a decent take.

And I like to check out new talent.

If you get any other ideas,

send them in to my assistant, the boy over there,

and he'll pass anything good up to me.

Thank you for coming in.

Thank you.

Nice shoes, by the way.

Do you remember the time when she locked herself

between the door of our flat and the front door of the building

without her phone for seven hours?

THEY GIGGLE

-You not hungry?

-No.

-We can talk about something else.

-No, it's nice.

It's better than the conversations I've been having all week.

Mum, phone calls from the rellies,

everyone saying how nice she was - clever, tidy.

It's like she's been canonised.

Tell me something else crap about my sister.

Something bad.

Go on.

She must have told you stuff she didn't tell me.

She didn't have a TV licence at uni.

Maybe she WAS perfect.

How's work?

Well, I've got to meet my agent tomorrow.

Talk about Rings Two.

I haven't even thought about it, to be honest.

I mean, he's around at night, but the last thing I want at the moment

is to be alone with my thoughts.

It's just so lonely without her.

It makes me wish...more...

..I had someone else around to distract me.

Don't worry - not you.

Oh, sorry.

-Sorry. How's rehearsals?

-Um...

Are you not back yet?

-Tomorrow. I'm going to go back tomorrow.

-It might be good for you.

Yeah, I was going to go back after these stupid cast drinks on Friday.

I'll come with you, if you like. To the drinks.

-Really?

-Moral support.

-Thanks.

And in return...

..you could come for a drink with me and Sam tomorrow night.

OK.

Do you think it's too early for shots o'clock?

HE LAUGHS

I can get us an ice-cream.

-Hi.

-Hi.

I'm sorry. Am I late?

No, no, no. I wanted to make sure I was on time.

-Can I get you anything?

-Just some tea, please.

-Thanks for coming.

-Thanks for calling.

I brought you these.

I wanted to say I'm sorry for the other night.

I was really cut up about Cat and...

..it's just no excuse.

I'm sorry to hear about that.

It just... It all happened really quickly

and I was away and I didn't...

..have the chance to see her.

I would have really liked you to have met her.

-If things had worked out that way.

-I'd have liked that.

Listen.

I'm sorry... that we've not been very close.

I know that's been hard for you.

But I've come a long way since...you and Cameron and...

..I don't think I can...

This isn't easy for me, Frankie.

John loves me for who I am now.

It's not fair on him to dredge up the past.

You've always been there.

I've thought about you...

..you don't know how much.

That's it?

-I'm sorry, Frankie. I...

-You what?

You...? You love me? You take it back?

You know, when I fuck someone and I don't want anything to do with them,

I don't bother calling them. I don't...I don't do this.

What's that?

I know you're struggling for cash.

I thought I could help.

You do know anything you say in here is confidential?

I feel like I'm being read my rights.

You don't have to be here. It was a choice.

It's either this or I have to stay off sick.

I CAN see the point in it, like...

..if a suspect dies in custody or...

..on an armed unit, you have to take someone out.

But a death in our personal lives...

Most people come to me weeping,

wanting their statutory period extended, not reduced.

So, you can reduce it?

Only if I feel you're ready.

Why a suspect?

What?

You compared losing Cat to a suspect dying in custody

or getting shot.

Why not a victim? Of a murder, say, or an RTA?

Feelings of grief are often bound up with feelings of anger, guilt.

That's natural.

VINCE: Hey, how did it go?

Just a load of psychobabble bullshit.

Hey, whoa!

If he said you're a nutter, we already knew that.

Look...

Excuse me.

..can we start again? (IMITATES SAM) "Hey, how are you?

"Thanks for your calls and texts. Sorry I didn't get back to you."

-I've had my folks down. Sorry.

-OK. No wonder you needed a shrink.

I don't need one!

I just want to get signed off so I can start work.

There's no rush.

I don't want you taking all the credit on the Hive.

Operation Beehive's got a long way to run.

Yeah? What's the latest?

Nice try. You're not back on duty yet.

-Oh, for fuck's sake!

-Hey, come on.

You've just lost the woman you love.

-Do you think she loved me back?

-What's that supposed to mean?

It doesn't matter.

Sam.

Frankie.

-It's OK.

-No, I should go.

No.

You've got as much right to be here as anyone else.

Maybe more.

Were you fucking her?

No.

She chose you.

Hi.

Hey.

How did your counselling go?

Apparently, I have some parental issues to work through.

HE LAUGHS >

Now, that's more like it.

Hey, they haven't put you on that Zantax or something?

Prozac, Dad. No, I wish.

How was your day?

The Willow Tearooms were lovely. We should all go again tomorrow.

Actually...

..you could head back now.

-Really?

-Mmm.

The counselling's been really helpful.

I think one more session, and I should be able to get back to work.

You shouldn't rush it if you're not ready.

Course she's ready! Look at her. Born ready.

Isn't that right?

So, do you want me to get a police uniform?

Only if it's rubber.

I don't think she's in uniform, anyway.

Oh, you HAVE been doing your homework.

I don't know why I'm thinking about it. It's too soon for that.

There's nothing wrong with being her friend if you like her.

When she's ready to move on...

Don't think the flatmates would be impressed that I'm harbouring impure thoughts.

So don't tell them.

PHONE RINGS

Are you still getting those weird calls?

Hello?

Hello? Look, who the...?

Oh! Oh, hi, Gran!

Oh, your new mobile. Oh, no. Yeah, very exciting.

Yeah, speak... OK, speak then. Bye.

-Stalked by an OAP?

-And a relative, at that.

Let's go. Maybe I can finally get to see chez Bea?

We can't.

Suzy's conference was cancelled.

Can't we go to yours?

Do you think it would be weird with the housemates?

I just don't want it to seem like I'm partying

when they're going through such a rough time.

Travelodge? Or we could just leave it.

We'll have to be discreet.

Fine.

Have you got a top I can borrow for tomorrow?

It'll cost you.

< FRONT DOOR BANGS

That Lauren was a bit of a tough crowd.

If you want me to go, just fucking say so.

You might as well stay.

The rent's paid till the end of the month.

-Well, where are you going?

-Back to New York.

How long for?

Was it your mum?

-Frankie?

-Look, it's me, all right?

There's nothing here for me any more.

-Frankie.

-What?

What, you love me?

Well, then, you're stupid. And you're the only one.

Tell Tess I said goodbye.

I'll give her a call.

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

TESS: Hi? >

-You on your own?

-Yeah.

-Um, is that my Amaretto?

-Oh, yeah, sorry. Do you want some?

It tastes like cake juice.

-Are you all right?

-Mm-hm.

Frankie's gone. I don't know about Lexy.

Um, where?

-America. New York, I think.

-What?

She says she'll call you. She said that I could stay here too.

-Um, when did she go?

-Just now.

PHONE RINGS AT OTHER END

FRANKIE: 'Leave a message and if I like you, I'll call you back.'

Frankie!

What the fuck?

I was going to call.

Well, I wouldn't want you to put yourself out(!)

You were going to leave, just like that?

What do you expect from me?

Even by your standards, this is pretty shit.

-I'm sorry, but this isn't about you.

-Really?

Do you even know how I feel?

Have you even asked?

You're so bloody selfish!

-I know.

-And that makes it all right, does it?

You should never have come back.

What, cos if I hadn't, she'd still be alive?

That's not what I meant.

Yeah, it is.

And you're right.

I'm sorry.

I loved her, Tess.

I really thought it would work this time.

And I fucked it up, like I fuck up everything.

Just promise me one thing.

-Why should I?

-Cos it's not for me.

Promise me you won't tell anyone about me and Cat.

I promise.

I've got to go.

Good luck in your play.

I'll miss you.

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

(ITALIAN ACCENT) Super Tennent's.

Su-per Tennent's.

-Super Tennent's.

-Can I help you?

Um, yes, I want Scottish delicacy.

Give her a vodka and tonic.

-Thank you.

-No problem.

Make that two. Double.

-So, what's your name?

-Um, Gabriella.

From Perugia, Italy.

Gabriella.

You're a long way from the tourist trail.

Not normal for sightseeing.

Ah! But the book, um...

..says it's a good place

for finding action.

Action?

Good book.

GABRIELLA SCREAMS

GABRIELLA KEEPS SCREAMING

LEXY GROANS

GABRIELLA SCREAMS >

What the fuck are they doing?

Oh...oh...oh...

GABRIELLA EXCLAIMS IN ITALIAN >

Shit!

I thought we were going to give them a run for their money.

I think we did.

GABRIELLA CONTINUES SCREAMING >

Music?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

MUSIC PLAYS

GABRIELLA SCREAMS >

GABRIELLA SCREAMS, LOUD MUSIC PLAYS

Wow.

"Wow"?

Big night, eh?

Are those boob prints?

C-cups, I reckon.

This is funny to you?

No...

Because there's no smoking in the communal areas.

And definitely no fucking.

Wasn't me.

Um, what?

Hey, this should fit you.

-Oh, hi, Tess.

-I'm Bea.

Oh, sorry.

Flatmate Tess, this is my friend, Bea. blah, blah, blah.

Oh, shit. Did we get burgled?

No. I thought it was Tess and Tess thought it was us.

Oh, my God.

Are they boob prints?

Sadie!

I'll clean it up later.

No, you'll clean it up now!

This...was my breakfast.

I was supposed to go back to work today like you told me to,

but I couldn't sleep

because clearly I didn't get the memo about the house shagathon.

-Tess.

-And now this doesn't work.

Sorry, I'll get it fixed.

Yeah, you better.

She's probably still a bit upset about Frankie.

What happened to Frankie?

I thought about what you said about anger and unfinished business

being mixed up with grief.

I think it's harder for us, you know?

Suspicious minds are part of the job.

You know, we're trained to pick over things and look for discrepancies.

What sort of things?

Cats had an ex.

And I suppose seeing her at the funeral made me...

..chew over old doubts and fears.

But I was wrong.

Cat told me she loved me and I believe her.

That's how I'm going to remember her.

Still tender?

Uh-huh.

Cat just says that you have a potential leg break.

Yeah, it looks like it.

Excellent. I'm a specialist.

Excuse me one moment.

What I'll do is, I'm going to make some markings on your leg

to show the radiologist exactly where to focus.

Er, excuse me, Doctor.

Can I have a word with you?

Yeah.

Sorry.

Excuse us.

What the fuck are you doing?

Sex-ray is taking our patients today.

So?

So...barium enema diluted in water only shows up under X-ray.

I am going to leave him my phone number.

You show me a radiologist that can resist that.

-Um...

-What? It's safe.

People get this stuff pumped up their arses.

Yeah, doesn't make it right.

Hey! I'm not the one trying it on with a Scottish widow now, am I?

I'm not trying it on.

Yeah, right. Then tell me you weren't fantasising about her last night with your special friend.

She wasn't even going to say goodbye?

-That's Frankie for you.

-Can't say I'm going to miss her.

Sorry.

It's OK. It's just...

It's not like I've got many friends left.

Thanks.

You're a given.

Look, listen.

When Sam gets here, I don't think we should mention Frankie leaving.

Why not?

Well, you know...history.

My sister and Sam were well beyond that.

Yeah, but, still...

How was your meeting?

Er...yeah, good.

My agent actually mentioned a film deal for Rings One.

Ed!

-That's amazing!

-Yeah.

Kind of is.

Hey.

-Hey, Sam.

-Hey.

-Thanks for coming.

-Thank you for the reminder.

Sorry. How are you?

-Um, yeah, good.

-Yeah?

What have I missed?

BOTH: Oh, erm...

Tess's adventures in the sex house.

-What?

-You don't want to hear about that.

Er, I kind of do!

Oh, it's just...

Sadie...bringing home strangers and covering them in condiments.

-What?

-Or did we say it was a preserve?

I think technically, Nutella's a spread.

Who even does that anyway?

Marlon Brando for bum sex.

Sorry.

Um...anyway, that. And Lexy bringing home a friend.

I thought Lexy was single?

So did I.

Come on. I should put the address into the police computer.

What a house! Frankie, Sadie...

What?

Er, Frankie's gone.

Back to the States.

When did this happen?

Last night?

Yeah, er...I think she got a job over there, or something.

What do you want? I'll get them.

Um, actually, Ed, er...

I'm not feeling great.

Um, I think...

It's my first day back at rehearsals tomorrow, so I'm going to...

Yeah. OK.

I'm really sorry.

Frankie's left most of her stuff in her room, so help yourself.

What? You don't think she's going to come back?

Well, if she does, she can buy the rest of it off eBay.

Ta-da!

And this is for you.

Oh.

I'll cut that off later.

A peace offering.

She was Italian. I didn't realise she'd be that loud.

I'll, er, try and pull mutes from now on.

Right, anyway, are you all right?

I mean, you knew her better than me and if I miss her, then...

Yeah. Thanks.

Yeah, I'm sorry too.

You know, after what happened with Cat,

it probably wasn't the best idea to bring someone back.

Oh, no. Look, I overreacted.

Like you said, got to get on with stuff.

Thank you, Madam.

So, erm...

I didn't realise you were seeing anyone.

Oh, no, no. I'm not.

Bea just works in the hospital, so we're just, you know...

Fuck buddies.

I didn't think that actually existed.

Yeah, well, when you work the hours I do,

it's just kind of easier than going on the pull.

So, what if you meet someone you actually like?

Oh, no, no. Bea's got a long-term girlfriend.

They've been together for ages.

She goes away a lot for work, so...

They have like a kind of open relationship thingy.

So, you know, IF I met Miss Right, we would just...just call it off.

But for now, I'm happy.

Cool.

Well, now that we're all friends,

if someone wants to lend me a tenner,

I'm happy to get the dinner in.

Keep your wig on - I've got a plan to pay it back.

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

And...trust.

Wait!

-Laura?

-Sorry, it's not contagious. Is it?

What?

Whatever it was you were off with.

Oh, no. I'm fine now.

OK. Good.

OK.

And...fall.

Sorry.

I just had to ask, cos I always stupidly work through illness

and it never does me any favours.

OK, last time, together now.

I'm sorry. I'm just so weak.

Right, well, that's enough.

Time for the hot seat.

Tess, or should I say, "Sonia",

let's get you back in character.

Gather round in a circle.

-Usual vetoes apply.

-Excellent!

Welcome back.

So, how did it go with "Broke-Leg Mountain"?

Don't.

He took an early lunch,

so his fat assistant took the patient

before I could wipe the barium off.

PHONE RINGS

(SIGHS)

Five times, she's called me today.

What about you? Any movement with Juliet Bravo?

No, no.

She knocked you back?

-No, no. I'm just not going there.

-She knocked you back.

Look, if she wants to be friends, I'm there. Right?

But that's it.

-For now.

-Yes.

PHONE RINGS

Argh!

Sorry, sorry.

-Favourite colour?

-Green.

Why?

-Um...

-Quickfire.

-It reminds me of the fields.

Best moment of your life?

Er...the...first harvest the spring after I took over the estate.

-Good.

-What about the worst?

Er...losing my mother.

Biggest fear?

Being alone.

-Cliche.

-Dig deeper.

Um, losing the farm.

Guilty secret?

-Tick-tock.

-Um...

I, er, I tied up my best friend when we were little

and she wet herself.

That's Tess, not Sonia.

-Um...

-I think she's right.

Um, I think I've had enough.

Already?

Come on. You're a simple girl. You work hard.

What do you feel guilty about?

Is there anyone you're jealous of? Someone you hate?

Has Sonia ever hurt anyone?

Come on. Guilty secret.

Um, look, I don't know.

-We've all got one.

-All right, enough.

-Come on, Sonia.

-I really don't know. OK?

-Tess?

-Jesus.

She's just lost her best friend in an accident.

That's why she's been off all week.

She thinks she's Simon Cowell with that buzzer.

Do you want to talk about it?

What difference does it make?

Won't bring Cat back.

Might help you.

It was all my fault.

I...I walked in on her with Frankie.

But I didn't say anything.

I let her think it was all messed up.

Sounds like it was a bit.

But...if I hadn't walked in on them,

then maybe...maybe she wouldn't have been so distracted when she left.

If I'd forced you to come to the pub that day,

you wouldn't have walked in in the first place, so...

..maybe it's my fault.

Everything has a knock-on.

Doesn't mean it's anyone's fault.

But I let Frankie think it was her fault when she left because...

I don't know. I suppose I was afraid it was mine.

She'll know how upset you are.

That's no excuse.

-She loved Cat.

-So did you.

That's what you'll all remember when this all settles down.

I've missed you the last couple of days, you know?

Someone else to feel shit with.

"Thomas Delaware is not a star, he's a comet.

"The type you wait 70 years to come round

"and then you pray to catch a glimpse of,

"so you can tell your grandchildren."

Tosser!

Let me see.

I love how you're carrying this around like you're his biggest fan.

Some people cry. Some people run away.

I like to fixate obsessively on the object of my misery.

Get hideously drunk.

And perform petty acts of vengeance.

Sounds fun.

You can join me if you like.

Tonight's drinks might be a good place to start.

MUSIC PLAYS THROUGH EARPHONES

Lexy!

Oh, hey.

I didn't see you there.

Yeah, unaccompanied this time, thankfully.

-Come on, your dad's lovely.

-Yeah, in small doses.

How's things?

I'm all right.

-Started back at work today.

-Already?

-I needed to.

There's only so much time you can spend in the house.

You want to run together?

Er, yeah, yeah. I mean, if that's cool?

Just as long as I don't slow you down too much.

-Don't be silly.

-OK.

-Got a light?

-No, I don't smoke.

Sadie.

Sadie. Thanks.

I had an idea for an article you might like.

Well, it's best if you e-mail a couple of lines to my assistant.

Was thinking we could talk about it over a drink.

And what if I'm busy?

Then you'd be missing out.

Ed!

I can't believe you made it.

We did have a deal.

Yeah. I'm sorry for walking out on you.

-Are you OK?

-Yeah.

Just finding it hard.

Not that you're not.

It's going to get better.

Yeah.

We just have to stick together.

Yes.

Come on, come on.

You must be Ed.

Yep.

Ed, Hugh. Hugh, Ed.

PHONE RINGS

-And this is...

-Hello?

-..Rory...

-Hi.

..our director.

And Nora and Tim...

This is Ed.

Ed's an author who has just been offered a film deal.

Ah! Your round, then.

An author, eh?

So, what are you writing?

Um, a novel.

-Wow.

-It's like a novel. Science fiction.

Thanks.

What's this article about?

I didn't have one.

Just thought you might fancy a drink.

Seemed a bit buttoned up in our little interview.

How do you know that's not just what I'm like?

That's what I'm here to find out.

I don't remember you being like this the other day.

You do remember me.

What do you expect to get from this?

Work? Something published?

Now you're doing yourself down.

I am very flattered, but I have a wife that I love very much.

So?

PHONE RINGS

PHONE KEEPS RINGING

Hello.

Er...yeah. No, I'm still here.

Another couple of hours maybe, yeah?

The freelancer's just delivered, so...

Yeah.

Yeah. OK.

How's living with Tess?

Cat used to say it was like living with a poltergeist, but messier.

But then, Cat was pretty anal.

She's all right, actually.

Sadie's worse... Jesus!

Yeah. I hear she's taken Frankie's place.

Ed told me.

Yeah, yeah. It's all a bit sudden, actually.

She didn't say why?

No, she didn't say anything to me.

I just found out about it the next day.

Look, I know you guys have a history.

No.

No, nothing that's not resolved.

I was worried about her, that's all.

I think losing Cat will have hit her as hard as it hit anyone.

-You all right?

-Yeah. Yeah.

I think I should be heading back. It's been a long couple of days.

-OK.

-This was good, though. We should do it again.

Defo.

Yep, one way to keep me fit.

You're fine.

I'll see you soon, OK?

Yeah, OK. See ya.

I could see that Tess

really needed to get something off her chest

so I thought I'd chip away. You know, tap, tap, tap.

Really try and get under her skin and...there she blew.

Tears, catharsis.

Relief.

I could see you carrying the same tension.

I can't imagine what it's like.

I think I know how you felt when your ex-wife took your dog.

Ronald? He's still pining for me, you know.

We're going to make a move.

-Where to?

-You didn't tell me it was Ed's sister that died. Poor thing.

And drinking on an empty stomach is not going to help. We're going to get something to eat.

Oh. Well, I'm quite hungry.

-I'll...

-Have these.

See you Monday, thespians.

Look, I know you think she's annoying but I think she's all right

and I think she's up for it, so... Bye.

It was nice to meet you.

Likewise.

"And with a flourish, he departed the stage,

"leaving the rest of us to wonder

"if he'd ever return from orbit again."

Same again?

I've got a better idea.

This is a one-time thing.

What?

HE LAUGHS

THEY LAUGH

SHE GASPS

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd